And fans' first reaction to stepping into the 510,000 square-foot pigskin palace?

“It’s great man, I was just talking to one of my friends earlier about being a high school kid and being able to play here,” Alfred Jackson said. “It’s awesome.”

“It’s amazing, it’s great,” Robert Asel said. “The kids have no idea how great they have it.”

“I think it’s a very nice venue,” Angela Richardson said. “I’m pleased with what I’ve seen so far.”

“It’s amazing, it’s kind of great that Frisco gets to have something like this in the community,” Darius Raisley said.

When people first learned that an NFL franchise was teaming up with a school district, many imagined high schoolers interacting with pro players.

On Saturday, they got that. Dez Bryant, and a slew of other Cowboys players stopped by to catch some of the action throughout the day. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was there, too.

Credit Gus Contreras / KERA News

That’s what Angela Richardson likes about this combo.

“I think it’s very inspiring for them,” she said. “I’m glad that the facility is here in Frisco. They’re probably thinking they’re college athletes or professionals now.”

And if the exposure to players wasn’t enough, three of the four games were nationally televised on ESPN and the NFL Network.

It’s the total package for Alfred Jackson. He played football at the University of Arkansas in the '90s, and he thinks The Star, a $260 million facility, will take players to the next level.

“Things change,” he said. “There are some high schools like Allen building their own stadium, so this is nice. I’d probably be in the pros now, I made college, but I might’ve made it to the pros.”

The food menu at The Star.

Credit Gus Contreras / KERA News

Even the difference in food stood out. Concession stands were packed with people. Robert Asel said it was their favorite part.

“You know, the food is actually pretty good,” Asel said. “It’s actually really good. What did we have? Hamburger, a hot dog. I want that Frito pie, I want that Frito pie.”

And former Arkansas Razorback Alfred Jackson?

“I love the food,” he said with a big smile. “I had the nachos, I had a hot dog and a brisket sandwich. I wanted to try everything, they’re all good. I’ve got to call Jerry and tell him he did a great job.”

On May 7, McKinney voters will head to the polls to decide on a $220 million school district bond package. It includes plans for school upgrades, new technology and a 12,000-seat stadium and event center.

The concussion crisis has sent shock waves through the football world from the NFL all the way down to pee-wee leagues. A researcher at UT Dallas has developed a device to measure the force of hits and determine whether there’s been a brain injury.